The purpose of this study is to explore historical and cultural backgrounds of early twentieth century in Paris, France and examine musical characteristics of selected songs of Les Six through analysis. This study investigates songs of Les Six, which possess valuable learning aspects technically and musically and present artistic aesthetics of early twentieth century France, but have not been studied suffciently as an appropriate twentieth century French repertoire for singers, teachers, and music researchers. Les Six was a group of talented and young composers gatering under Erik Satie (1866-1925) and Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) pursuing true French music that was independent from German Romantic and Debussy's impressionism. Also, Les Six has been recognized as representing composers of contemporary French music in the early of twentieth century. The study briefly examine the cultural and historical background of early twentieth century France and the formation and aesthetics of the group of six composers, Georges Auric(1899-1983), Loise Durey(1888-1979), Arthur Honegger(1892-1955), Darius Milhaud(1892-1974), Francis Poulenc(1899-1963) and Germaine Tailleferre(1892-1983). The selected songs of "Les Six" present a unique style such as neo-classical simplicity, embracement of tradition and modern qualities, and integration of characteristics of popular music, refined and controlled expression, and suble relationships between text and music.

• 김선미 | Sunmie Kim